Lib Dems seek to end treaty delay

THE LIBERAL Democrats last night said they would not support five Labour amendments to the Bill to ratify the Maastricht treaty.

The move came as the Commons prepares to embark today on two successive nights on the Bill with a third on Monday.

Sir Russell Johnston, the Liberal Democrat European spokesman, said the party wanted to ratify the treaty quickly and would not play 'games' with the Labour Party. This could speed the passage of the Bill and save the Government from more humiliating defeats.

Sir Russell said: 'We are not here to play games with the future of Maastricht. That is what the Labour Party has been doing.

'They have been telling us all what good Europeans they are, while blocking sensible progress, leaving it to the Liberal Democrats to make this possible and introducing petty amendments which will only have a delaying effect and help nothing.'

The amendments increase regulations and reports to Parliament of various European institutions and the Bank of England.